Early Childhood Education Teacher

The City of Helsinki offers a full-time permanent contract for an Early Childhood Education Teacher to work at the municipal daycare units located in the major Helsinki city districts.

Currently there are about 6,000 employees engaged in the education division of Helsinki. We have approximately 300 Finnish-speaking and 50 Swedish-speaking daycare units. The daycare centers are open between 6:15 and 17:30 and the shifts are arranged according to the needs of the families. The weekly working time is 38 hours and 15 minutes. An average of 13% of the working time (5 hours) must be reserved for duties other than working with the groups of children.

As an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Helsinki, you create a child-centered inclusive environment for children aged 0-6. You work as part of a team with joint responsibility on children’s learning, safety and wellbeing. You consider individual needs and perspectives of every child and adapt all activities to support diverse abilities of children. You encourage exploration throughout the day, making every moment an opportunity for learning and growth. In this positive, strengths-based setting, you support children’s confidence, independence, and sense of ownership in their learning journey.

Your tasks as an ECE teacher are as follows:

• Plan, assess, and implement pedagogical activities, supporting individual learning based on each child’s Individual Development Plan.
• Guide activities according to the daycare unit’s operational plan and Helsinki’s Early Childhood Education guidelines, in collaboration with the team.
• Proactively interact with children, parents and staff, fostering a supportive environment.
• Engage in multidisciplinary collaboration with basic education as well as social and health services.
• Collaborate within the child group, team, work community.
• Document and evaluate pedagogical activities and maintain clear communication within the child group.
• Prepare and maintain pedagogical documentation, adjusting plans based on observations.
• Participate in evaluating and enhancing children’s and parents’ involvement, in collaboration with the team.

Get acquainted with Yaiza from Barcelona, who works as a special needs teacher in early childhood education in Helsinki (Youtube video).

Our pedagogical principles

Play-based learning: We emphasize play-based learning to develop children’s social, motor, cognitive and emotional skills. Play is more than just recreation -it is a fundamental part of the learning process. As an ECEC Teacher you support learning by providing diverse materials and spaces that promote growth through play.

Full-day pedagogy: We adopt a full-day pedagogy as an educational approach that supports a child’s learning and development comprehensively through a variety of activities during the day, not only during formal lessons. We incorporate educational moments into daily routines, mealtime, free play, transitions between activities, and outdoor time. The entire city becomes a classroom, with nature, cultural sites, and recreational resources enriching children’s experiences.

Inclusive early childhood education: We foster an environment where every child from different linguistic, cultural and family backgrounds feels accepted and supported. We utilize differentiated instruction and collaborative practices to ensure that each child can participate meaningfully in all activities. This includes working closely with families and specialists to provide the necessary resources and support for children with varying developmental needs.

Positive pedagogy: We create a supportive and nurturing learning environment that encourages children’s curiosity, resilience, and self-esteem. We emphasize strengths-based approach and encourage children to explore their interests freely. We promote emotional well-being and social skills through cooperative learning experiences and conflict resolution strategies, helping children build a foundation for lifelong learning and healthy relationships.

Child participation in daily life: We value and encourage children’s active participation in their own daily experiences. We involve them in decision-making about their routines, activities, and choices throughout the day. This strengthens self-confidence and sense of responsibility, helping children feel valued and engaged in their learning environment.

Qualification, language, and other requirements

• The applicant must have a residence and work permit in the European Union.
• The applicant must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. The employer provides assistance with the degree recognition with the Finnish educational authorities (read more about the procedure and more about the ECE degrees in particular).
• The applicant does not have to know Finnish language at the moment of applying for the job. The language training will be conducted remotely and can be completed alongside work, starting from February 2025 and lasting about 9 months before relocation to Finland. Language training will be continued upon arrival within the working hours, a couple of hours a week. 
• The applicants must provide an extract from the criminal record as referred to in section 6 (2) of the Criminal Records Act of Finland when the work implies raising, teaching, care or other caretaking of a minor or other work in personal contact with the minor in the absence of a guardian.
• The applicant must provide proof of not having respiratory tuberculosis.

Personality & soft skills requirements

We are looking for an individual with excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, which are essential for working closely with both the ECEC team and families. A proactive approach to learning and working is important. We seek someone genuinely enthusiastic about professional growth, open to new pedagogical methods, and eager to introduce fresh ideas. As you would be moving to a new country to live and work, flexibility, adaptability and willingness to take the initiative are further key traits for making a successful transition. A strong commitment to learning and improving your Finnish language skills is essential for effective communication with children and their families. A positive, resilient attitude and an eagerness to celebrate small achievements will make you a valuable addition to our team.

Relocating to Finland

The applicant should have a genuine interest in relocating to Finland. The training provided before moving includes comprehensive information about Finland and Finnish society to make the settling in the new surrounding as smooth as possible. 
The recruited teachers are guided and assisted throughout the whole relocation process, from obtaining necessary certificates and permits to finding housing in Helsinki. The amount of rent depends on the location and size of the apartment. Assistance is also provided when registering with the public authorities, such as the Digital Population Data Services Agency and the Tax Office. The employer assists with the application for the Targeted Mobility Scheme EU funding. Relocation support is provided also for the family members.

About the employer:

The City of Helsinki is Finland’s largest employer (read more), with over 37,000 dedicated professionals across four divisions and central administration. Together, we deliver high-quality services to residents and help build a foundation for good living in Helsinki.

Within our Education Division alone, nearly 15,000 education professionals shape young lives through early childhood and pre-primary education, basic education, vocational schools, upper secondary schools, and adult education centers. Our approach to learning emphasizes play and discovery, encouraging children to explore and develop vital life skills in a joyful, engaging atmosphere.

The City of Helsinki offers a wide range of employee benefits. The benefits include an affordable lunch, employee health and well-being services, professional development opportunities, extensive sports and culture benefit, public transport benefit or support for purchasing your own bicycle. As a City of Helsinki employee, you will also access to a wide range of exercise classes and our employees’ own island Iso Iiluoto for recreation purposes!

Why is Helsinki a good place to live?

Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, is home to our daycare centers and offers an exceptional quality of life. Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country for seven years running, thanks in part to its employee-friendly work hours and strong support for work-life balance (read more).

In Helsinki, you’ll experience a secure, welcoming city with world-class, inclusive education, where every child receives free meals and materials. The city’s high-quality healthcare is free for residents, underscoring its commitment to equality and accessibility for all.

Helsinki offers an ideal work-life balance, thanks to efficient public transportation and short commute times, providing you with more time to enjoy your free hours. With quick access to parks, cultural sites, and recreational areas, it’s easy to make the most of your time outside of work.

Famous for its inspiring architecture and lively new districts, Helsinki blends urban beauty with easy access to nature. Scenic parks, islands, bike paths, and even winter skiing provide a backdrop for an active lifestyle. Plus, with direct flights to global destinations and ferry routes to Tallinn and Stockholm, you’re always well-connected. Helsinki’s diverse cultural mix makes it easy to settle in and feel at home. Read more about Helsinki. Watch a video about Helsinki.

Please apply via the link ”Apply for this job” or send your CV and motivation letter in English or Finnish to aleksandra.nenakhova@rtkhenkilostopalvelu.fi.